We've covered a lot of what Google Allo can do as a messaging application, but we haven't yet scratched the surface of one of its most interesting features: Assistant. It lives as a standalone chat, but also as a bot ready to answer any question inside your other conversations (not the Incognito ones though, as we've said before) by just mentioning @google.

Since Assistant is an evolution of Google Now / OK Google commands, and since Allo can send voice messages, there's a nifty feature you can easily deduce from the combination of the two: Assistant will interpret your voice messages in Allo. It's as cool as you might guess.

Whenever you're chatting with Assistant, you can type a question or, even better, tap the microphone and record a voice message like you would in any other Allo chat. Assistant will transcribe your message into text first: "You said: [voice message]" and then proceed to answer you right away. This works for everything you may think of: regular searches and OK Google commands (no need to actually say "OK Google" here). It makes even more sense when you think about it as talking to an assistant.

And it's fantastic for one very important reason: in some (admittedly limited) testing, the "Can't reach Google at the moment" or "Can't load search results" errors were nowhere to be seen. Depending on your connection's speed and the servers' load, the voice message will be sent to Google instantly or in a few seconds, and you will get your answer, again, instantly or in a few seconds.

Even if you're offline when you send the voice message, it'll be delivered to Assistant when you connect again. And even if the search results can't be loaded now, it doesn't seem like there'll be an error, instead Assistant will wait until the search is able to process and get back to you with an answer when it can. That's one of the benefits of the chat approach, and it's a major one.

But it's worth pointing out again that this is based on limited tests with a preview version and the situation might be different upon Allo and Assistant's official release.

Do you think this will be available in a browser / Chrome? I could see myself using this from my work computer. Not sure how much I would use on my phone in the Allo app VS OK Google. It is pretty cool though.

Rajesh Malamal

But why should this be inside a messaging app? Google just need to update Google now to include all of these features. Why assistant when google now can do all these things in a slightly different way?

Carson S.

I'm sure they will when the Google Assistant is ready.

Just_Some_Nobody

I use Keep for this.
I would love to see Keep, Calendar and Now all work together here, though.

My guess is because the average Joe is spending most of their time in a chat on their device anyway. So incorporating this into Allo does make some sense. It's even easier to access.

Also, Rita said this right in the article;

"Even if you're offline when you send the voice message, it'll be delivered to Assistant when you connect again. And even if the search results can't be loaded now, it doesn't seem like there'll be an error, instead Assistant will wait until the search is able to process and get back to you with an answer when it can. That's one of the benefits of the chat approach, and it's a major one."

Rajesh Malamal

That offline feature is indeed very useful and might come handy at times. But I was talking about setting reminders inside allo. Maybe its just me, but i feel its rather confusing for the average Joe.

Actually it makes more sense. Setting a reminder is not a search, it's you talking to an assistant ;)

Rajesh Malamal

Google now isn't just a search app AFAIK. I agree to the fact that talking to an assistant to create a reminder is the right way, but I am still not convinced why the assistant itself needs to be in a chat app when there is a separate app called Google now which all these things slightly differently. :)

FernandoCole

Maybe it is implemented in the chat only for the hype of assistants, and is a good way to "force" people to use more (the renewed) google now.

Winston P

I disagree. A chat app is a fantastic way to search. In fact, this *SHOULD* be the Google Search and Now apps. With multiple tabs. And Split View support. The Google app is long due for a refresh functionally: even the iOS app is better than it at this stage.

Rajesh Malamal

"In fact, this *SHOULD* be the Google Search and Now apps."

This is what I was talking about. They need to improve the Google now app rather than making another app do what it does in a better way.

Oh, ok, but that is not much fun.. we all know that apk.. It does not work, is a very early version. Thanks anyway, you are great

Derek Berndt

That's the point. You have to register your phone number so you can have as many apks as you'd like if you're not a beta tester your phone number can't be verified and therefore no allo for you.

FernandoCole

You suppose that, but you are not sure. Thanks, again.

Juniors234

Why is everyone talking about being a beta tester. There is no such thing. If beta testing were actually even available at some point, someone other than Rita would have the Allo beta apk. So far no one else other than Android police seem to have a beta apk. And if she has the Allo APK, she must have the Google Assistant beta apk too. Bet no one thought of that.

Derek Berndt

You're thinking of an open beta, where anyone can sign up (normally through Google play or Google plus). I'm talking about a closed beta, where only specific people are given access (in this case through what means we don't know). Clearly the app in beta (as it is not released to everyone but it being tested). Any app in beta must also have people using it, the beta testers. These people must exist, we just don't know who they are. Furthermore, Rita has denied many times that she is able to use Allo.

If the point of the assistant is that it will be available in more than one app - and available to devices pre Nougat - then it's a better than good chance that Assistant will require functionality in Google Play Services that hasn't been shipped out to anyone but the people testing the service. Further it has been clarified numerous times here, on Reddit and on G+ that the only way to get into the Beta is to have a Googler invite you.

TuffTatino

Are group chat possible ?
That's the key point for m'y friends and myself.

FernandoCole

Yes, we saw it on previous articles from @khouryrt:disqus

dhamp2g

Thanks sista

Justin

Do you have an apk that we can test as well? I have been patiently waiting to get this app.

René Simonsen

As said a couple of times before. You need to register with your phone number, and that won't work unless you're in the beta. The apk has been on apkmirror for quite a while, but you won't be able to use it until Google actually releases it.

Juniors234

It won't work unless you are in the beta? So here are the million dollar questions: 1. How does one even get into the Allo Beta 2. And why does Rita Only have the beta app. I have seen no one on any other review website providing details about this app. My guess is that Android Police is under some NDA, and they actually have a test Google HTC Nexus sent to them by yours truly. Also if they have a beta Allo app, they must have a beta Google Assistant, because that is built into the App. So..... yeah.

René Simonsen

1: One doesn't. As far as I know, it's only for Googlers, and maybe a few selected people?
2: As far as Rita says, she doesn't have access to Allo. But she has a source that is providing all this information.

If AP was under an NDA, they couldn't leak all this information, it would get them sued. If they have a source leaking the information to them, then the source is still anonymous, and Google wouldn't know who it is, and therefore can take no actions against it.

That's pretty much how leaks work ^^

Juniors234

Thanks! Yeah i guess then only a few mystery people got to test it in some kind of closed beta. Oh well. I guess if Allo is that great, its worth waiting for! Its sad the new nexus are rumored for October 4. :(

Though I'm pretty sure Google could very very quickly find out which single user has performed the various searches over the last few months - information about the London Eye and setting reminders for certain times are very specific things - over the 5 or so articles it would be extremely easy for Google to find the one user who performed those exact searches.

Mike

Also Google clearly doesn't care. David tweeted to Hiroshi Lockheimer about the poo story.

Still not a fan of the chat bubble colours... what ever happened to cohesion and the unified experience?

Sam

Still not a public application yet. Technically, we shouldn't even have seen anything else about it except for what we were given in March, so raising problems on a closed beta app design that you are not a part of as a tester that was leaked is pretty pointless.

Don't forget to mention that it might have some customization options that we're not aware of yet.

Mike b

God, now i applied N to my N5x, loving it, i truly am, but FOCK i want Google assistant and allo more.

Phoenix

Hey, some compassion for your compadres who don't have a nexus. consider yourself lucky and enjoy N for now

DevPod

Meh, more news and still no release.

Vlad

That offline thingy is a highlight. So many times Google Now just failed because when you're in a car or a train, the connection cuts off randomly.
It's easy to use it as a "network" reminder. "Remind me to check the weather tomorrow when I get some internet" is a great feature when you're in low-signal areas and don't want to ruin your phone with other weather apps.

Simon Gabriel

Hey, Rita! Does anyone you know who's testing the app use an Android Wear watch? I'm wondering how this, or any Allo function will work with AW.

CBMR

This.

Phoenix

Lol, it's a person now he should have some respect

Simon Gabriel

Yeah, I'm glad someone else wants to know! I talk to my watch much more than my phone @khouryrt:disqus

Captain_Invisible

I really don't see how this belongs in a chat app. That's just extended Google Now/Google Assistant. Is this made just to get lonely people to use Allo?

I'll cover the difference (and advantages) of the chat approach in another post, but let's just say there are instances where it makes sense to take the conversational route and others where all you need is a good'ol search page.

Juniors234

Maybe this has been asked before, but i will ask it again. Rita. From what i see in these Allo features spotlight, you somehow have managed to become a beta tester for Allo. Here's my problem: 1. Where/when in the past has one even been able to sign up for the Allo beta. 2. If you are a beta tester for Allo, then google assistant must be baked in somehow, so is there also a beta for that? 3. Has this beta been made exclusive? 4. Android police is awesome however i find it curious that only android police has been reporting on Allo. No other android source seems to be a beta tester or have their hands on this lovely beta/preview of Allo.

Faysal El-Nagar

it also works within conversations between different people by suggesting reply's (that applies to pictures too btw), reserving seats in a restaurant, setting reminders, etc. it's basically now on tap but without having to long press home button

MattG

Cannot WAIT for Google Assistant. I hope it really is as good as it looked at I/O...just having a chat with ol' Goog.

Wikiwix

Why do they not just transcribe every voice message, so one knows what the other told you even when you cannot listen to it right now...
I wished this for Hangouts for at least a year...
Now even Allo does not have it -.-

Itai Iloni

The point of a voice message is to communicate in a method other than text without compromising the nature of the original method. If someone wanted to send text with voice, they would use the Google voice to text function on their keyboard.

Wikiwix

For one, voice input takes way longer than just speaking, furthermore it is critical that one does not make mistakes for example by sloppy language (especially since the other one does not even know that you are not typing).
And on the other side, I absolutely get your point. I do not ask for it to replace listening to it, I just want it as a preview and backup method.

Itai Iloni

Thanks for clarifying a bit. It would definitely be a nice feature, but then again, the transcription is victim to the same voice to text input issues. If you're using your voice to communicate quickly, the transcription may not be accurate and could cause miscommunication, which I why I recommend having these two features seperate, again, it may be helpful, but it's also easy to say, "I can't listen right now." That way both parties are given the hint to text.

Wikiwix

I get your point, but the way I imagine it, the other one knows that it is only a transcript in this case. Therefore one would be warned.

Itai Iloni

I guess my last point goes both ways. We'll have to see how intelligent google speech to text becomes in the future to get a complete answer.

pfmiller

Many times people just use voice messages because they don't want to type, but it's inconvenient for the receiver if they can't listen at the time.

They should just do the same thing they do for voicemails in Hangouts, show the transcription along with a way to play the clip.

Rajesh Malamal

So I am confused. Will the assistant be present only inside allo or is it gonna replace Google now?

Abhilash Bingi

Both. And also Google Home. And on speakers. Maybe someday in your keyboard app as well. That's the point. Being ubiquitous. Watch IO if you want to know more.

Carson S.

Yes both is right.

AverageDipper

Just another (usu)Allo day for Rita

Phoenix

Reaching...

sabrinal1979

So, I see myself just having full conversations with Allo *instead of* friends. I mean, if it doesn't incorporate SMS I won't have anyone to talk to anyhow. So, nevermind friends...I'm just going to chitchat with Google Assistant since it's smarter and more resourceful anyways.

When my real friends ask me who I text all of the time I'm going to answer, "My lord and savior" and leave it at that.

CBMR

😂😂😂😂😂 I'm with you on that! Lol

Eddie Jr

LMAO

cusaitech

Same. I will spend more time chatting with google than with friends

MJ

Agreed...

Allo has a great feature set and a nice UI but no SMS support means I probaby play with it a couple of times and forgot about it. I may have one or two people who may use it also but not sure that's worth it to have a second messaging app.

You really think that SMS is capable of keeping toe-to-toe with internet chat? The operators used to charge for it like it actually cost something to provide that service, but have largely given up territory in richer countries and resorted to giving tens of thousands (or unlimited number) of SMS as part of plans.

The less people use it, the easier it would be to phase it out. As fast internet becomes ubiquitous, I expect VoIP to fully replace the telephone system. This has already happened in Australia for landlines where the new fiber internet backbone provides VoIP as a service, and traditional landline phone service is no longer available once you're transitioned (there is no opt-out).

MJ

In the US, most people have unlimited texting dude. Maybe you don't know one can text anyone with a phone number? It's freaking universal... Using IM only would mean having 3 or 4 different programs to chat with all my contacts. That's progress?

I do use IM for some contacts and certain scenarios because of the encryption factor so it does have a niche use.

Why are you taking about landlines? I haven't had one in like 15 years.

I mentioned landlines and traditional phone connections because that's the older version of what VoIP is, like how SMS is the older version of IM is. Allo clearly works over the internet, which means you don't have to have separate accounts created for it. Interoperability is indeed a concern with IM, but people will tend to use one or two depending on what's popular with their circles. For me, that means primarily WhatsApp and Hangouts for others. Personally I like Hangouts because it creates an archive of all messages in GMail which I can search through, but using WhatsApp because that's what most people I know use.

Texting is archaic and rudimentary. Its popularity doesn't solve that problem... Sending text IMs doesn't take a significant amount of data, so even people with the most basic of internet plans will be able to use IMs as a replacement.

Let me ask you MJ, of the people you text with, are there many who don't even have a basic internet plan?

powersforgood

I think both of you are right. SMS is outdated and limited technology, and it would be great to have a standardized alternative. The problem is that there are so many internet chat options. Wow, other than through SMS, can I guarantee my message is going to get through to the person I need it to go to, regardless of what chat service they use?

MJ

That's my point... There is no dominant IM platform in the US. IM is more advanced but it's advantages are NOT needed most of the time. Texting gets the job done most of the time and everyone can receive a SMS message.

If they have internet, all you need to do to get ubiquitous IM is to ask them to install the app you gravitate to. When you're texting, it's usually the same people over and over instead of random people whose phone numbers you got.

I say this because I've done this already. There are hundreds of my contacts in WhatsApp, and my close friends are now using Duo because I suggested it. Allo will also reach them.

MJ

Are you kidding? I didn't say anything about random people. All my contacts can accept SMS messages. IM? Some use this IM services(s) and others use a different services(s). A lot of them use Facebook messenger which I will never install on my phone. You really don't see the problem?

I already said use IM with some contacts for some purposes but 99% of my messages are by SMS which is not changing anytime soon. Thanks for your input...

I was guessing (correctly) about the kinds of people you text with. If it were random people of whom you got a phone number for, you wouldn't necessarily have the freedom to 'demand' they install a specific app. Since that is not the case, I am saying that you don't need the ubiquity of SMS. If your contacts will install an app when requested instead of going on an hour-long rebuttal listing reasons why they won't ;D, then the ubiquity of your app will emerge automatically.

I have nothing more to say on the subject either, have a great day.

MJ

Wow!

Once again, contacts that I really prefer to use IM with and would benefit from using it are already but that is only relatively a few people. I am not going install an IM program just because someone I know asked me to so I won't expect them to install my IM program of choice either.

Sorry you weren't able to make a case why we all should be switching to IM over SMS but good try...

Puh, I already thought I'd have to check my feedly subscriptions without seeing anything about Allo or Duo.
I'm hyped too actually. Just not sure if it is really that useful, especially for giving up encryption and saying bye bye to privacy (did you ever listen to your own voice commands on the new my account page of your Google account? That's quite creepy ;)).

Phoenix

it's a necessary evil

Blake

Yeah it's slightly creepy but I find it awesome in a way too. Tho I can't stand the way my voice sounds on recordings ha-ha. You can delete them too.

You can ask it to summarize articles with, play an escape game, make meme's by sending it a picture and text, get music recommendations and more. Or skype translate where both participants can speak in a different language and skype translates it realtime.

philosopher_Mk

This is not bot,its AI ,learns from conversations and it may give totally different answers to you and your friend based on what you like.

Rufflow

Ah. I see. Thanks for the info. Didn't know it was different.

Wont use it though. i have the Google app also disabled on my current phone.

CBMR

So you don't use Google Now? Why not man?

Rufflow

I tried it for a while but it didn't gave me any additional functions I care about. So I disabled it because I don't wast space and battery life.

I search through my browser and the only voice command I use is to set alarms. And for that I use S-Voice which works and can't be disabled.

For planning, reminders, package tracking, flights and communication I still use mail and calendar since it is platform, OS and app independent for me and users it share stuff with.

rjyanj

Curious. Why is that? I love Google Now, personally.

mark

To be fair, I thought Skype bots reasonably count as ai, it's not clear to me whether one is significantly better than the other, even if they take different approaches.

Either way, it's a whole different story to the current so called "virtual assistants" which are nothing more then pre scripted voice commands. Both Cortana and Google Now won't recognise a command if you make a trivial variation in the language used. They're as much ai as command prompt is. I'm curious how well these new things like Assistant work - if they do a half good job of understanding language, then these will be the first tools worthy of being virtual assistants.

pfmiller

All chat bots use some form of AI.

mark

Even if they're not the first and Skype is doing it too, I'd still say the technology in general has the potential to be revolutionary.

Elliot

Clean installed Android N and it's so damn smooth on my 6p. We have Duo and now I'm just waiting on Allo.

Zaw Thiha

Awesome..Hope it'll be cool when it release..I can't wait..

FernandoCole

@khouryrt:disqus can you check if by changing the system language to spanish, the assistant is still there? Or it is mandatory to have it in english?

Krishnamurthy S

Signal Private Messenger uses the same protocol for encryption as Allo. Signal can also be used to send plain SMS. So, there could be chances that Allo could do the same.

pfmiller

What's the connection between the encryption used and SMS functionality?

Carson S.

Man the Google Assistant seems real good even in beta!

Raymond Berger

"Even if you're offline when you send the voice message, it'll be delivered to Assistant when you connect again"
I love this feature and I wish more app would do this! (Looking at you hangouts/snapchat)

I'm sure when they finally roll out - just to prolong the agony they will push it on the slowest possible rollout they can manage so that it will take 6 weeks after release before I can play with it.......

Charlie

Why wouldn't you just use "OK, Google" or a regular voice command via Google Search?

Sir_Brizz

History maybe?

Charlie

Yes, just thought of that one too.

I think what irks me is that Google has this almost lazy-like approach to apps and features. It'll give you several ways to do the same thing, but imo, it doesn't seem to make them work together.

As in when you give Allow commands, you'll have a history. But via Google Voice search, not like the way you have it in Allo. So next time you're searching for something you've searched for, you'll be wondering where you searched for it and thus where is it better to go search for it now. Seems like a stupid way to make these apps work.

Just like Allo, Messenger, Messenger (of Google+?) Hangouts, etc. They all kinda do a bit of the same, but none of them work together.

Sir_Brizz

Can't really disagree with you on that.

Carson S.

I'm sure they will update the Google app to include the Google Assistant once released.

Charlie

Of course. But will your chat/ search history done through Google Allo be viewable in Google Search? Probably not. Will your search/voice commands/reminders history done through Google Search be viewable in Google Allo? Probably not.

They just create another way to use Google Assistant, in a different apparently with a different screen, giving you the same features you have with Google Search, but that'll work (completely) different. Knowing Google, i.e. Hangouts, SMS, Messenger, Messenger+, there's no real reason those have to be separate apps. Yet they are and today we can add one more: Allo.

Dirge

Apk or it didn't happen.

Dom Apice

Am I the only one who is slightly annoyed by the fact that Allo seems to almost completely disregard the guidelines set by Google's own material design? I feel like I'm staring at the lovechild of iMessage and Whatsapp.

Saloni Kogta

I am slightly disappointed with Allo's design(in pictures at least it may be great actually).
It almost seems too...animated. Same goes for the stickers that AP posted sometime back. I would rather go for a simple and subtle design like that of Whatsapp or iMessage. It somehow feels too colourful...

Chris Weber

Sorry if this is a recurring question you've already answered but, How do you have a copy of this app? How can I get a pre-release copy of the app?

I want to experience this app too.

Cory Wilson

Is assistant going to just be part of allo only? Keep talking about all this assistant integration I'm thinking where is assistant for Google play music or hangouts or something? I'm not even that interested in allo since it only works on your phone. Seems dead on arrival. All this talk about how it's not replacing hangouts, well then why isn't hangouts getting this kind of love?

SirWoggles

It is said to debut on Allo and Google Home, with assistant slowly being integrated into everything soon after.

Instantgator

Allo can order you a taco!!!
Who cares, just give it to us. Like now

sbeaulieu

Allo release date is soon ;)

FernandoCole

Why you say that?

sasidhar79

uh ! another article on Allo ? it is not out yet, what is the point?

Dustin Lussier

why are there 2 checks in the bubble next to the items you send? one to confirm message was delivered, one to confirm it was read?

Dustin Lussier

It seems that all the other leaked pictures I see on google image search show only one check box. I wonder if these pics were photoshopped.

Blake

Cool...I guess. But way easier to say Ok Google, set an alarm for 5:00.....instead of going in to an app, finding the chat, and typing/sending a voice message. Even though it works in other convos, OK Google is still faster.

I think the point is - IF you are already in the app, it's quicker than leaving the app to go to Google Now if you don't have search from any screen enabled (because you value your battery and don't want the microphone listening to everything whenever the screen is on)

XharadorkX

It's like siri, but better! Yey!

Carson S.

way better*

DevPod

No more Allo previews and teasers? Is it soon releasing or delayed?
@Rita